10 Shocking Things You Learn Binge Watching Every ECW PPV
9. Hardcore Heaven Improved Things Fast
Thankfully, it didn't take long for Paul E to get it right.
Hardcore Heaven '97 was a vast improvement over Barely Legal's stuttering start. It had some cross-promotional juice going in, and you simply need to see both the build and execution of Jerry Lawler vs. Tommy Dreamer. The way Lawler played WWF incomer was perfect pro wrestling story work.
Supporting bouts like Taz vs. Chris Candido, RVD vs. Al Snow and the three-way main pitting Shane Douglas vs. Sabu vs. Terry Funk were all better than anything on the first show. Heyman managed to blend significant 'ECW vs. The World' storytelling with a platform for his full-time stars.
Things would take a nosedive in terms of quality come November To Remember later in the year, but Hardcore Heaven was well-named and remains worth your time. The fab entrance-facing hard cam angle always conjures up images of classic WWE shows in MSG, albeit on a smaller scale.